Removes too much hair when wife drops off cutting equipment? (4)

I believe the answer is:

axes

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'removes' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for axes that I've seen before include "Graph reference lines" , "Terminates" , "Hatchets" , "Fires" , "guitars" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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